I noticed this letter attesting to at least a warm relationship between E. Colnago and Confente (who went to Carlsbad Masi as you all know). Clipped from (http://www.bicycletrader.com/confente.html) Maybe Chuck, who graciously supplied the copy of the letter might know more of the whole story between Masi, Cinelli, and Colnago..
"Mario arrived in Los Angeles in October 12, 1973. As evidenced by the following letter he did not expect to stay long. Dated October 21, 1973, Ernesto Colnago wrote to Mario in California:
Dear Mario, A few days ago I passed your house to say hello but I was surprised to see your mother and father a little demoralized by your leaving. They assured me that you will be back in 20 to 30 days. This pleases me because as we agreed I was going to propose a business with large profits. Come back soon and when you arrive in Milan, give me a call and I will come and get you and bring you home. Write to me. Sincerely, Colnago
Although Colnago and Confente never engaged in a joint venture, it would certainly have proved interesting. Confente did build for the Masi California project and eventually built under his own name. His impact on the U.S. bicycle market was profound and he quickly established a new standard for U.S. custom builders.
Next Issue - the Confente Story continues in the U.S.
Special thanks to Chuck Schmidt for a copy of the Colnago letter"
Mark Cutrfelli in Laurel,MD
-----Original Message----- From: Brian Baylis [mailto:rocklube@adnc.com] Sent: Friday, June 14, 2002 11:33 PM To: rena.cutrufelli@comcast.net Cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Subject: Re: [CR]Masi did not like Cinelli?
Mark, (I think that's who didn't sign the post)
Yes, as a matter of fact there was some sort of rift between Masi and Cinelli in the early 70's. I can not speak for Colnago and their relationship, but there was a general knowledge amongst us who worked at Masi in the very early Carlsbad days that there was a reason why we were using 3ttt bars, stems, and saddles. The Everest chains and freewheels, and the Martano rims were also part of the situation. Ever see any other bike use Martano rims; I haven't. Only slightly before Masi, Carlsbad opened Masis were equipt with Regina and Cinelli. The Martano rims go back a ways further now that I think of it, and may not have been part of the "difference of opinion" between Masi and Cinelli. The initial shipments of components from Italy to Carlsbad lasted for a LONG time which is why almost all Carlsbad Masis have 1973 dated parts on them. By the time more were needed I think the fighting was over. I don't know if the disagreement was between the two companies or the two individuals. Nothing was ever openly discussed regarding this matter so we never knew any of the details (we being the fledglings at the time) but others may have known the nature of the original beef.
What isn't mentioned about the 3ttt bars and saddles that Masi used at the time is that a 3ttt saddle or bar will have the Masi "M" embossed on it. There were also a few "Faliero Masi" pantographed stems but those were not stock on all frames since there were a limited number of stems.
Hope that adds to the body of Masi knowledge.
Brian Baylis La Mesa, CA I did my share of sub assemblies like bars to stems, brake levers to bars, toe clips and straps to pedals, saddles to seat posts, and gluing tires to wheels while I was there.
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